Buying world-class wines doesn't have to mean trudging
across town with backbreaking boxes. David Chester discovers how to get
the goods delivered direct to your doorstep.

The question isn't whether you should order your next bottle of
Sauvignon Blanc over the Internet. It's whom you should order it
from. Over the last several years, Japan's interest in wine and
everything associated with it, from sommelier classes to tasting parties,
has grown exponentially. According to data from the third Vinexpo Asia-Pacific,
held last month at Tokyo Big Sight, 80 percent of wine and spirits purchases
in the Asia-Pacific region are made in Japan.

As a result of this fascination with fermented grapes, both novice and
connoisseur alike can now benefit from the plethora of well-stocked, well-informed
online wine retailers who have gone the distance to ensure the best vintages
from around the world are chilled and ready for that special occasion.
Whether you're looking for an excellent Grands Crus de Bordeaux
or just want a kitschy happy cat bottle stopper, it's all just
a few keystrokes away.

J.P.M. Wine CompanyThey're small, but mighty. Jean Pascal Noirault and wife Mikiko
opened this boutique shop in Koriyama last year and have been restocking
the cellar ever since. They mainly offer wines from the south of France,
especially from Bergerac (near Bordeaux). Best sellers include selections
from the Chateaux Puy Servain Terrement and Puy Servain Marjolaine. Take
advantage of their o-chugen sales campaign, good till early August. No
minimum order, delivery throughout Japan via "cool takkyubin,"
and advice for the wine-challenged in English, Japanese and French (Japanese-only
website; English version coming soon).
Tel: 024-922-5957, fax: 024-922-5958. www.wine-and-food.com

Jardine Wines and Spirits
Currently selling high-quality wines from France, the US, Italy and Australia,
Jardine Wines and Spirits is proud of its knowledgeable staff who not
only take orders, but also advise customers on which wines best suit their
needs. Sales are done only by the case, with deliveries made throughout
Japan via the company's own refrigerated truck. From July 1-31,
check out the "Grand Vins" special, featuring several vintages
from the great chateaux of Leoville-Barton and Christian Moueix. For details
(English/Japanese) contact Customer Relations Manager, Tetsuya Kondo.
Tel: 03-3434-1791, fax: 03-3434-8439. www.jwswines.co.jp

Cyber-Wineshop
If you've been dying to get a taste of Francis Ford Coppola's
acclaimed Merlot or Claret, here's your chance. Cyber-Wineshop,
online since 1997, has added several of the Godfather's California
wines to its extensive selection of European, Australian and New Zealand
vintages. Sommelier Naoto Uchiike says his wines are not just for "wine
maniacs," but for "high sense people." To satisfy
them all, he has put together some excellent and affordable boxed wine
sets, perfect for o-chugen. Crystal glasses, grape cluster pins and happy
cat bottle stoppers are also available. No minimum order, delivery throughout
Japan. Some English and French spoken.
Tel: 0468-36-1151, fax: 0468-34-2949 www.cyber-wineshop.com

California Wine Trading
There are those that argue that the finest wines are not from France,
but from the lush vineyards of Napa, California. This company certainly
wouldn't disagree. Since 1995, it has been happy to offer selections
from more than 100 California wineries, including the Sonoma-based Kenwood
vineyard that produces quality varietals (wines made principally from
one variety of grape), including Cabernets, Chardonnays, Zinfandels and
Pinot Noirs. The Godfather has also managed to charm his way into this
Shizuoka-based company: its current top sellers are Niebaum-Coppola wines.
No minimum order, delivery throughout Japan. Some English spoken.
Tel: 055-971-8000., fax: 055-972-9354. www.wine-park.com

Wineshijo
Whether red, white, sweet or sparkling, Wineshijo covers the grape vine
with a selection of more than 500 wines from Europe, the US, Greece and
Australia, with another 100 organic wines to be added this summer. For
the uninitiated, Wineshijo offers a full calendar of events (in Japanese
and English), including wine tastings, wine classes and wine fairs. For
o-chugen bargain seekers, they have prepared an eclectic selection of
wines, sakes, whiskeys and cigars. English is spoken, there's no
minimum order, and delivery is available throughout Japan (free shipping
on orders of ¥10,000 or more).
Tel: 090-3691-6606, fax: 03-4512-8365. www.wineshijo.com

Friends of the Vine
For 14 years, Friends of the Vine has been providing wine aficionados
in Japan with exciting discoveries, mainly from boutique wineries in California
and the Northwest. With more than 400 wines selected for import, many
are introduced to Japan long before becoming popular in the US. Friends
of the Vine also runs a Wine of the Month Club, which offers new releases
and great value in varietals, most from wineries producing only 10,000
cases per year or less. Members get discounts and wines are delivered
to their door the second Saturday of the month, along with The VineLine,
a bilingual newsletter containing reviews and tasting notes. Minimum order,
delivery throughout Japan, English spoken.
Tel: 042-956-5669, fax: 042-956-5664. www.fovwine.com

Samwood
Wines, brandies and champagnes, mainly from Italy. Also features Canadian
Icewine, the "Princess of Wines" (made from grapes frozen
on the vine at minus 8C). Message cards and gift wrapping available. No
minimum order, delivery throughout Japan, some English spoken.
Tel: 03-3843-6311, fax: 03-3843-6319. www.samwood.co.jp

Photos: screen shots

B u y i t o n l i n
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Japanese
food & cooking

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New Page 1BuylineShibuya’s Zenmall (29-4 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku; 03-3770-1641), known for offering large clothing for men, is holding a two-day Early Bird Pre-Summer Sale. The sale will take place on the mornings of April 12 (Sat) and 13 (Sun) for three hours (9am-noon) each day. During these times, nearly everything will be marked 20-80 percent off. Some of the bargains include suits with a spare pair of pants for \9,800 (sizes 3-8L), and summer casual jackets for \8,000 (3-6L). Imported designer suits by makers like Calvin Klein and Boss are also marked down to \39,000 and \59,000, respectively. Those who spend over \10,000 can take part in the Cash Grabbing Contest, where shoppers can dig into a box full of cash. Spend over \30,000 for two chances to grab, and \50,000 for three. Don't miss this rare opportunity, as it could be one of the few chances for those looking to buy large sizes in Japan, especially at affordable prices.